This gigantic, 221-acre green space in Atlanta is just the right place to spend a sunny afternoon. It includes a free Legacy Fountain Splash Pad, plus free swimming in the pool from 4 to 5pm, Monday through Friday, Memorial Day until Labor Day.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not the best part, though: Piedmont Park has free history walking tours that showcase its rich history, which goes hand-in-hand with the development of Atlanta. Reservations are required and honored on a first-come, first served basis.<\/p>\n
12. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park<\/h2>\n This expansive park is the site of a Civil War battleground. Here you\u2019ll find 17 miles of trails to explore, along with a museum and various Civil War monuments. Not only is it a great place to enjoy the outdoors, but it\u2019s also ideal for history buffs or anyone who wants to learn more about the unique stories of the American South.<\/p>\n
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is open everyday from dawn to dusk and is free to visit. For more information on what to see and how to get there, refer to the park\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
11. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park<\/h2>\n To hear the story of Dr. King and see his birthplace and childhood home, check out Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. This is also where this historic civil rights leader began his career and was eventually buried. This is one of the top tourist destinations in Atlanta, and best of all, it\u2019s free!<\/p>\n
The buildings in the park are currently closed due to the pandemic, but you can check the website for updates on when they will be open again.<\/p>\n
10. Shoot the Hooch<\/h2>\n No, I\u2019m not talking about that<\/em> kind of \u201chooch.\u201d In Atlanta, \u201cshooting the Hooch\u201d refers to floating down the Chattahoochee River on an inner tube. This is a popular summertime activity, as floating in the cool river water helps beat the Atlanta heat. If you have your own inner tube, it\u2019s also totally free! If not, you can rent one here. <\/p>\nThere are a couple popular floating routes to choose from: Johnson Ferry to Powers Island (3.5 miles), Powers Island to Paces Mill (2.5 miles), and Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill (6 miles).<\/p>\n
9. Oakland Cemetery<\/h2>\n\n
While many travelers might be creeped out by visiting a cemetery, this is actually one of the most historically significant places in Atlanta. It is the final resting place of some of the city\u2019s most famous and influential people, including Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Maynard Jackson. It\u2019s such a popular tourist spot that people who go to see Jones\u2019 grave know to leave golf tees there. <\/p>\n
The gardens there are well kept and feature seasonal flowers year round. You\u2019ll also see some incredible architecture throughout the cemetery.<\/p>\n
8. Atlanta Contemporary<\/h2>\n This expertly cultivated contemporary art museum, always free to the public, is a must-see for visitors and residents alike. The museum is home to the Atrium Wall, a 20-by-14-foot mural installation that acts as a year-long temporary exhibit. This is just one example of the ingenious ways the curators of the museum use the space.<\/p>\n
Atlanta Contemporary requires guests to reserve their timed ticket ahead of time. For more information on how to visit, consult the website.<\/p>\n
7. High Museum of Art<\/h2>\n\n
This eclectic art museum is renowned for its impressive variety and attention to diversity. Its 18,000-piece collection features 19th- and 20th-century works, as well as more modern and contemporary art. You\u2019ll find photography, sculptures, paintings, and new media and design, along with a growing collection of African art.<\/p>\n
The High Museum of Art is free to all visitors on the second Sunday of every month. Tickets are available here.<\/p>\n
6. Atlanta Monetary Museum<\/h2>\n If you want to learn more about the history of money and the Federal Reserve\u2019s role in the economy, head to the Atlanta Monetary Museum on a weekday for a walk-in visit or a free tour. The museum houses some rare coins and interesting artifacts that have to do with the history of printed money in the United States. <\/p>\n
Free tours have been suspended until the end of 2021, so stay tuned to the museum\u2019s website for updates on when tours will resume.<\/p>\n
5. Georgia Capitol Museum<\/h2>\n\n
The Georgia Capitol is a working government building and the center of most of the state\u2019s most important political decisions. The museum inside the building is home to historic artifacts, flags, and artwork. <\/p>\n
The Georgia State Capitol and Museum are open to the public from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Free self-guided tours are available for groups of less than 10, and guided, interpretive tours by the Museum are available for groups of 10 or more, with a reservation. Check out the museum\u2019s event calendar for more information on free events.<\/p>\n
4. Georgia Governor\u2019s Mansion<\/h2>\n The Georgia Governor\u2019s Mansion is the 24,000-square-foot primary residence of the presiding governor and his or her family. The mansion has 30 rooms divided between three floors and is part of an 18-acre estate. It\u2019s full of history, antique furniture, and Greek revival architecture.<\/p>\n
The mansion is open to the public and tours run from 10am to 11:30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. However, it is currently closed until further notice due to the pandemic. Stay in the loop on the website.<\/p>\n
3. Fernbank Science Center<\/h2>\n
Although it has been closed during the pandemic, stay up to date on the Fernbank Science Center\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
2. Festivals<\/h2>\n\n
Atlanta has no shortage of free street festivals, especially in the summertime. Each season has something different to offer, and each festival has its own flair. Whether hot-air balloon launches, holiday parades, food festivals, cultural events, and concerts, you can find out what events are happening during your visit on this events calendar.<\/p>\n
1. Underground Atlanta<\/h2>\n What was once a series of viaducts over a railroad gulch is now a popular shopping, dining and entertainment district called Underground Atlanta. This six-block stretch of restaurants, galleries, and shops is both above and below ground, with some dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. <\/p>\n
The area is currently being redeveloped and is set to house some chic new spots that will definitely be worth checking out. You\u2019ll find art vendors, pop-up kiosks, and much more to browse while you visit. Stay current by consulting Underground Atlanta\u2019s events page here. <\/p>\n
Pin me for later:<\/p>\n
From fabulous green spaces to important historical sites and everything in between, Atlanta is bursting with awesome things to do for free. Consider making ATL part of your next epic road trip through the American South!<\/p>\n
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